Mesa County, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
158,601
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,658/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
69,969
1.6% year-over-year change

Mesa County population

How many people live in Mesa County

Mesa County is home to 158,601 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Mesa County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
158,601
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
78,451
Female
50.5%
80,150
Value Percent YoY change
Male 78,451 49.5% 0.6%
Female 80,150 50.5% 1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mesa County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.8% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
25.8%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 26,398 16.6% -1.8%
15 to 24 19,629 12.4% 1.6%
25 to 44 40,864 25.8% 1.0%
45 to 64 38,298 24.2% -0.5%
Over 65 33,412 21.1% 3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Mesa County, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 151,010 95.2% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,087 2.6% 13.6%
Non-citizens 3,504 2.2% -13.2%
Racial breakdown
White
82.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 130,703 82.4%
Black or African American 995 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,327 0.8%
Asian 1,424 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 76 0%
Two or more races 19,016 12%
Other 5,060 3.2%

Households in Mesa County

A peek inside Mesa County households

Mesa County has 65,830 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
65,830
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
25,031
Family households
40,799
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 25,031 38% 4.7%
Family households 40,799 62% 0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mesa County

The housing landscape of Mesa County

Mesa County's housing consists of 69,969 units, with 71.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
69,969
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 49,920 71.4%
1 unit, attached 3,155 4.5%
2 units 1,424 2%
3 or 4 units 3,171 4.5%
5 to 9 units 1,726 2.5%
10 to 19 units 1,300 1.9%
20 to 49 units 1,812 2.6%
50 or more units 1,897 2.7%
Mobile home 5,504 7.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 60 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,154
89.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mesa County

In Mesa County, the median construction year is 1987. About 7.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,311 7.6% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,906 2.7% 0.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,080 5.8% 5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,975 5.7% -0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,361 17.7% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,370 14.8% 7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11,317 16.2% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12,665 18.1% -1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,830 8.3% 2.7%
Built in 2020 or later 2,154 3.1% 89.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mesa County occupancy rates

Out of the 65,830 occupied housing units in Mesa County, 72.5% are owner-occupied, while 27.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
65,830
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,123
Owner occupied
47,707
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,123 27.5% -0.1%
Owner occupied 47,707 72.5% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mesa County housing costs

Housing costs in Mesa County come to a median of $1,226 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,182.

Median housing costs per month
$1,226/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mesa County
$1,182/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mesa County

Mesa County education at a glance

About 34.6% of the population in Mesa County went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 20.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,975 1.6% -18.2%
High school diploma 43,663 34.6% -0.7%
College diploma 32,845 26% -1.3%
Associate degree 10,303 8.2% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 25,393 20.1% 5.5%
Graduate degree 12,012 9.5% 9.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mesa County

How much people earn in Mesa County

The average annual household income in Mesa County was $95,145 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,658, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mesa County
$95,145/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mesa County
$73,658/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Mesa County income by age

In Mesa County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,567. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,586 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,591, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,220 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,591 3.6%
25 - 44 $85,567 9.7%
45 - 64 $86,586 1.7%
Over 65 $53,220 -1.7%
Above poverty level
137,100
Below poverty level
16,350
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 137,100 89.4% 1.3%
Below poverty level 16,350 10.6% -3.2%

Employment in Mesa County

Workforce and job types in Mesa County

The job market in Mesa County is powered by 75,062 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.7% run their own businesses, 63% are employed by private companies, and 14.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
75,062
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
57,465
Blue collar
17,597
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 57,465 76.6% 1.4%
Blue collar 17,597 23.4% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.7%
Private companies
63%
Governmental workers
14.6%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,317 13.7% -3.9%
Private companies 47,319 63% 0.8%
Governmental workers 10,949 14.6% 2.0%
Not for profit companies 6,477 8.6% 3.7%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mesa County stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mesa County

How people get around in Mesa County

Commuting methods vary: 80.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 59,329 80.4% 0.4%
Taxicab 30 0% 25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 500 0.7% 2.7%
Subway or elevated 27 0% N/A
Ferryboat 21 0% -36.4%
Motorcycle 188 0.2% -22.3%
Bicycle 1,006 1.4% 8.4%
Walk 1,714 2.3% -1.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Mesa County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81501 24,011 10,906 $53,666 $70,914
81503 16,558 6,381 $75,053 $85,844
81504 32,376 12,937 $70,958 $82,468
81505 13,279 5,695 $90,830 $112,548
81506 11,412 5,248 $78,651 $102,298
81507 15,947 6,647 $107,528 $142,808
81520 12,892 5,291 $50,283 $64,121
81521 16,613 6,436 $88,458 $111,837
81523 983 562 $106,518 $106,197

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FAQs about Mesa County demographics 

What is the total population of Mesa County?

Mesa County has a total population of 158,601 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mesa County?

The gender ratio in Mesa County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (78,451 residents)
  • 50.5% females (80,150 residents)

What is the median age in Mesa County?

The median age in Mesa County is 41.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mesa County?

The age distribution in Mesa County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (26,398 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (19,629 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.8% (40,864 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (38,298 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (33,412 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mesa County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mesa County is as follows:
  • White: 82.4% (130,703 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (995 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (1,327 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (1,424 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (76 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (19,016 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (5,060 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mesa County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Mesa County.

How many housing units are there in Mesa County?

There are 69,969 housing units in Mesa County, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mesa County and what is the average household size?

Mesa County has a total of 65,830 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mesa County?

Mesa County has a median household income of $73,658, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mesa County?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Mesa County, with a workforce of 75,062 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.6% (57,465 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.4% (17,597 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.7% (10,317 residents)
  • Private companies: 63% (47,319 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.6% (10,949 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (6,477 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025